South Africa condemns ‘barbaric, cowardly’ Kenya attack

The South African government has condemned “in the strongest possible terms” the “barbaric and cowardly” terrorist attack at Garissa University College in Kenya last week, in which 148 people were killed.

Somali militant group Al Shabab, a multi-ethnic group based in Somalia with links to Al- Qaeda, claimed responsibility for Thursday’s attack.

The gunmen took more than 700 people hostage, before killing 148 people and injuring 79 or more. It is Kenya’s deadliest attack since the 1998 US embassy bombings in Nairobi, where more than 200 people died. Garissa is in the north-east of the country.

President Jacob Zuma expressed his shock and dismay at the attack. He extended condolences to the families of the victims. “Terrorism in any form and from whichever quarter cannot be condoned. South Africa stands firmly with the international community in condemning all terrorism and stands in solidarity with Kenya,” he said.

Zuma reiterated South Africa’s support for Kenya and the international community’s efforts aimed at peacekeeping, stability, democracy and nation-building in Somalia.